last. Only twenty runs had been made when he took the bat. In the
five balls of the over which were bowled to him he made three fours;
but before it came to his turn again his partner at the other end
was out, and his side were twenty-two behind on the first innings.
The other side scored thirty-three for the first four wickets before
he again took the ball, and the remaining six went down for twelve
runs. His own party implored him to go in first, but he refused.

"No, no, boys," he said; "you must win the match, if you can,
without much aid from me."

The juniors made a better defense this time and scored forty before
the ninth wicket fell. Then Mr. Porson went in and ran the score
up to sixty before his partner was out, the seniors winning the
match by nine runs. Both sides were highly pleased with the result
of the match. The seniors had won after a close game. The juniors
were well pleased to have run their elders so hard.

They all gathered round their master and thanked him warmly.

"I am glad you are pleased, my boys," he said; "I will come down
two or three times a week and bowl to you for an hour, and give
you a few hints, and you will find that you get on fast. There is
plenty of promise among you, and I prophesy that we shall turn out
a fair eleven by the end of the season."

The younger boys had also enjoyed themselves greatly, and had been
joined by many of the elders while waiting for their turn to go
in. Altogether the opening day of the Four Acre Field had been a
great success.